Lindblad specializes in small ship expeditions. Longtime partners with National Geographic, these magnificent cruises bring you face to face with the wonders of the world. We have a sampling of their cruises on our website, but if this level of education, history, and nature are what you want in a cruise, give us a call and we’ll gladly chat about the cruise destinations that would be right for you: 800-578-1479.

Cruises on the MV Sea Bird & Sea Lion

Our twin expedition ships, M.V. Sea Bird and M.V. Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure.

Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from a picturesque beach, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk easily along a sandy dune.

During your time with us, our expedition staff likes nothing better than to surprise and delight you by directing the ship toward breaching whales, bow-riding dolphins or into an alluring cove. Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience. This is what expedition travel is all about: not just seeing wildness, but being out there, in it.

Public Areas: Our twin sister ships feature a Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; Observation Deck; partially covered Sun Deck with chairs and tables, and LEXspa. Our “Open Bridge” policy provides guests and opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.Cabins: All face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.Expedition Equipment: Bow Camera, hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, Zodiac landing craft and wetsuits in Baja.Special Features: Guest internet access, Wellness Program and LEXmarket. A Video Chronicler onboard all voyages. A ship’s doctor and an Undersea Specialist are onboard in Baja.

Category 01

Main Deck #300-305 – Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large view window.

Category 02

Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 – These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 03

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 – These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.Note: Sole Occupancy cabins are available in Categories 1 and 2 only. Third person rates are available in certain categories at one half the double occupancy rate.Shared Accommodations: Shares can be arranged at the double occupancy rate in Categories 1 and 2 only.

National Geographic Explorer — the ship that 40 years of expedition experience built — debuted in August 2008. The newest addition to the fleet, it is designed for 21st-century exploration offering guests an environment of adventure, comfort and informality.

A state-of-the-art 1A ice-class expedition ship, National Geographic Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate remote passages, and carries the most innovative tools for exploring from polar to tropical regions and the undersea.

Meals: Guests are accommodated in a single seating in the Dining Room and Bistro, with no assigned seats for relaxed and easy mingling. Meals are international with local flair.

Cabins: All ocean-view cabins with windows or portholes, some with Balconies, have a stylish and comfortable ambience, decorated in warm woods. Each cabin has private facilities and climate controls An Elevator connects all guest decks.

Don’t let her accommodating public and private spaces, the posh quiet and rich collection of books in her Library, or the lavish observation space on her decks fool you — the National Geographic Endeavour is an expedition ship, designed for discovery and active exploration, not just passing-by. The National Geographic Endeavour heads out equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs, enabling us to make landfall in all the remote and riveting locations that beckon — and to make a somewhat dashing “entrance” in a host of coastal towns and cities! We offer kayaking opportunities wherever possible and frequent walks or hikes.

We can set a pace for more demanding walkers and simultaneously provide a rewarding experience for strollers, too. There’s no age limit to our adventurous opportunities — anyone who feels fit and is interested is welcome to participate. And because navigation is an underlying theme, our “Open Bridge” policy will provide you with one of the more gratifying memories of the many you’ll make. It is simply magical to stand on the Bridge, watching your highly skilled Captain guide his crack crew up to a bird wall of astonishing proportions for a no-binoculars-necessary view, or navigate a narrow and charming river. The spontaneity and flexibility that characterizes our expedition style means there is literally something new to experience and enjoy daily.

Registry: Bahamas

Public Areas: Doctor’s Office; Fitness Center; Gift Shop; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; and Swimming Pool. Our “Open Bridge” policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

The versatile M.V. Sea Voyager can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size, yet it comfortably accommodates 60 guests in 31 outside cabins.

Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from the fantail, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk along a picturesque beach.

During your time with us, our expedition staff likes nothing better than to surprise and delight you by directing the ship toward breaching whales, bow-riding dolphins or into an alluring cove. Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience. This is what expedition travel is all about: not just seeing wildness, but being out there, in it.

Public Areas: Ship is fully air conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; Doctor’s Office; Fitness Center; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows, and presentations; and Sky Deck. Guests are welcome on our “Open Bridge” to meet the Captain and Officers and learn about navigation.Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Lunch is often served in the Lounge. Menu is international with a Central American flair.Cabins: All face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, wetsuits in Baja, Zodiac landing craft.Special Features: Guest internet access, laundry service, Wellness Program, and LEXmarket. A ship’s doctor and a Video Chronicler are also onboard. An Undersea Specialist is onboard in Baja.

Category 01

Main Deck #307-312, 315, 316 – Cabins feature a large view window and a small writing desk with makeup table. Main Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a queen bed.

Category 02

Upper Deck #205, 206, 209-212, 215-220; Bridge Deck #104, 106, 108 – Cabins include a small writing desk with makeup table. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a queen bed and large view windows while Bridge Deck cabins have two lower single beds, outside access and two windows.

Category 03

Upper Deck # 201-204; Bridge Deck #103, 105 These deluxe cabins are larger and include a spacious bathroom, two single beds which can convert to a queen bed, a sofa bed for a third person, coffee table, easy chair, writing desk, and ample closet and storage space. Upper Deck cabins have large windows while the Bridge Deck cabins have outside access and two windows.

Category SO

*Sole Occupancy: Upper Deck #207, 208 – Cabins feature one lower single bed, a large view window and a small writing desk with makeup table.

Upper 201, 202, 203, 204; Bridge 103, 105 – These deluxe cabins are larger and include a spacious private bathroom, two single beds (that convert to a queen-size bed), sofa and additional pullout bed for a third person, coffee table, easy chair, writing desk, ample closet and storage space. Upper Deck cabins have large exterior windows while the Bridge Deck cabins have outside access and a large window. Call for triple rate.

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Note: Sole Occupancy cabins are available in Categories 1 and 2 only. Third Person rates are available at one half the double occupancy rate in certain categories at one half the double occupancy rate.

Shared Accommodations: Shares can be arranged at the double occupancy rate in Category 2 only. Third person rates are available at one half the double occupancy rate in Categories 1 and 2 only.

Until recently, size-limiting locks prevented travelers from seeing the Highlands from the remarkable vantage point of the inland waterway that links Scotland’s most famous lochs. Now, with the style of a classic luxury yacht, the 54-guest Lord of the Glens journeys through this spectacular countryside in spectacular style.

The moment you step aboard the Lord of the Glens you are surrounded by the rich mahogany finishes of the reception area and lobby. The ship is magnificently appointed and brings to mind that one is in a stately country manor rather than a five-star ship.

Registry: Great Britain Cabins: Cabins are tasteful, comfortable and spacious with wonderful outside views. Most cabins have large picture windows (four have two large portholes). Facilities include a private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, satellite television, music system, hairdryer, telephone, safety deposit box, bathrobes and toiletries.

Public Areas: With all round teak decks, hardwood finished interiors and fine fabrics, the Lord of the Glens offers a stylish and relaxing ambience. The two lounges and two open-air viewing areas are social hubs aboard shop, and the small library and cozy bar are a refuge for the more solitary. Meals are served in the elegant single-seating Dining Room. Chefs create healthy, delicious cuisine served by an attentive staff.

The National Geographic Islander is a versatile 164-foot twin-hulled vessel with 24 spacious cabins comfortably accommodating 48 guests. She is a sturdy expedition ship, designed for year-round discovery and active exploration of the Galápagos and can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size.

Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice.

During your time with us, our expedition staff likes nothing better than to surprise and delight you by directing the ship toward alluring coves or bow-riding dolphins. Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and local field expertise are sure to enhance your experience. This is what expedition travel is all about: not just seeing wildness, but being out there, in it.

Public Areas: There is a lounge with well-stocked library, fullservice bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; Sun Deck with chairs and a hot tub; and an outdoor area at the stern of the Bridge Deck with tables and chairs. The “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet the Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.

Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is typically a buffet. The menu features wholesome foods with local ingredients.

Expedition Equipment: Most excursions and landings are conveniently done aboard the “Xplorer“, a covered expedition boat that accommodates all guests at once.

Special Features: There is limited guest e-mail access, and laundry can be done on board at additional cost. Cabins and public spaces are attractively designed and furnished, with ample space for storage.

Oceanic Discoverer Deck Plans

The National Geographic Orion explores the most remote cruise destinations in the world. The Orion accommodates 102 passengers, along with its crew. Engineered for expedition, the ship has your comfort and safety built in to every part of the ship.

Deck Plan

Cruises on the National Geographic Quest

Brand new for 2017, the NG Quest will be cruising expedition explorations in North & Central America. With only 100 passengers, the Quest will provide an intimate cruising experience from Alaska to Belize. The Quest is being built locally on Whidbey Island by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, making it the first expedition ship made entirely in the U.S. The Quest is being built with a designated mudroom for expedition gear. The ship will also feature 6 sets of connecting cabins for families and groups traveling together.